Come to Transylvania and see the Happiest Town in Town at the Kelsey Theater!

by Evie Passanante

Young Frankenstein at the Kelsey Theater, directed by John M. Maurer, is a hit like no other! Along with this fabulous direction, comes astounding musical direction, by Laurie Gougher, and dazzling choreography by Haley Schmalbach. This production truly brought Transylvania to New Jersey, immersing the audience the entire time. 

Walking into the Kelsey Theater, I was greeted with the kindest ushers and usherettes, who handed out themed programs, looking like a 1934 newspaper, filled with pictures and information on the show! Alas, the orchestra began the overture as fog filled the stage and we were immediately transported into a different time. The orchestra, conducted by Laurie Gougher, consisted of Aaron Allen (percussion), Sue Den Outer (keyboard 1), Brian Barber (keyboard 2), Cameron Stahl (reed 1), Jean Gould (reed 2), Anthony Wong (violin), Laura Neville (trumpet), Shannon Ferrara (horn), Terry Chesnovitz (trombone), and Jackson Siegel (bass). 

The cast of this show was simply magnificent. William Kamps, who portrayed Frederick Frankenstein, was simply brilliant. His energy carried throughout the entire musical, with a voice that was out of this world. Most notably, in his opening song, "The Brain", he made his character known. His expressions while he was explaining how to pronounce his last name and why he would never, ever become like his ancestors before him was hilarious. His physical comedy was highlighted during "Join the Family Business", when he was being haunted by all of the past mad scientists he is related to. Justin Jajalla (Igor) made no side character when on stage. He made this character so memorable, not only by his physical choices and body language when he walked, but also by having perfect comedic timing, like in the song "Together Again", as he tries to convince Dr. Frankenstein to let him be his assistant. 

Pat Rounds, the one and only creature himself. He truly embodied this iconic Halloween character, better than anyone else could. When he came to life and showed his form for the first time, it was like Dr. Frankenstein had truly created a new creature that had come to life. His mannerisms, including when he struggled to walk, looked all too real. Most remarkably, the vocalization of the creature was perfect. Every response to his environment was on point. 

Kim Pearson (Inga), Jenny Weiner (Elizabeth Benning), and Cindy Chait (Frau Blücher) were the most talented leading ladies there ever were. All three of these ladies had such powerhouse vocals, hitting every note as flawlessly and effortlessly as the last. All three of these actresses stole the stage the moment they walked into the light. I was amazed at all of their acting choices and their comedic choices, especially in the finale, where their characters shone equally as bright as they all end up with the man of their dreams, including the creature! The ensemble, Christopher Schmalbach, Megan Moyers, Rob Gougher, Brian Wurtz, Bob Abrahamson, Aurora Slothus, Micah Goldschmidt, Christina Parke, Jenna “Jay” Moschella, Marc Suznovich brought Transylvania to life. During "Transylvania Mania", the chaos and dance came to life.

And last but not least, the production staff who pulled the entire show together. Judi Parrish (Lighting and SFX Designer), Noah Schwartz (Sound) and Zhi Sharpe (SFX Engineer) expertly lit the stage complimenting the stunning set, had excellent effects and balanced the sound for this eerie, hysterical piece. The costumes, designed by Anthony Wurtz and Wigs by Christina Parke, were a perfect mix of period-pieces and campy musical theatre, featuring lab coats and glasses to all of Dr. Frankenstein's ancestors and dreamy sparkling dresses for none other than Elizabeth Benning. Thanks to Melissa Gaynor (Stage Manager), Jo Wymer (Assistant Stage Manager), John M. Maurer (Set Designer/Props Designer), and Jeff Cantor (Master Carpenter), the set and cast were able to move smoothly and seamlessly from scene to scene. The hayride moving to center stage while transitioning to Dr. Frankenstein’s glorious mansion was perfect! Not only this, but once inside the mansion, the transition from the library into the laboratory was immaculate! This is one you won’t want to miss! Young Frankenstein closes at the Kelsey Theatre TODAY! You can purchase tickets here: https://www.purplepass.com/events/319118-young-frankenstein-nov-2nd-2025